By Garth Shanklin
Sports Editor
A pair of New Richmond youth softball teams participated in the Blanchester Summer Smash tournament July 9-10, with one of them walking away with a title.
The Lions 12U and 14U teams participated in the tournament, held at Blanchester’s Veterans Memorial Park.
In the 12U pool, the Lions were paired with teams from Miamisburg, Washington Court House, Greenfield and Tealtown. The team consisted of 12 players from the 12U squad and eight players who moved up from the 10U team to continue their season.
The squad lost both of their contests on the first day of the tournament, falling to a team from Washington Court House and a squad from Blanchester. On day two, the Lions defeated the second team from Washington Court House in their third game. They lost their next contest, a rematch with the first team from Washington Court House, and finished third in the tournament.
The team had to adjust to a different way of playing the game, as most of the players had not played with dropped third strikes, infield flies and the threat of stealing home. Kristin Bennett and Peggy Verdin coached the team, with Bennett saying she was happy with how quickly the team adjusted to the new playing style.
“It was a great tournament at a beautiful park and the girls picked up on the rule changes quickly,” Bennett said.
The 14U squad finished fourth in their Southern Ohio Softball League division, but once the tournaments began the team kicked it into gear.
The squad defeated Mt. Orab 8-4 in the first round of the end-of-season tournament, then rolled over Fayetteville 18-3. Two victories by a combined total of 23-5 over the Mt. Orab Shockwaves gave the Lions the title.
A few weeks later, the team traveled to Blanchester for the Summer Smash tournament. The team played four games, two against Blanchester and one each against Beavercreek and Chillicothe.
The team knocked off Blanchester 10-0 in their first game, then rolled past Beavercreek 7-2.
Another victory over Blanchester, this one by a 10-7 margin, set up a championship match between the Lions and Chillicothe, which they won 10-7.
Head coach Sandy Pope said she was thankful for the experience the older players on the team brought and believes the team will be even better next season.
“The older girls brought experience and leadership to our team,” Pope said. “Carley Clift, Emily Justice Audrey Powers, Hailey Smallwood, Allison Verdin and Chyanne Wilson will be missed next year, where I know they’ll contribute great skills and abilities to the New Richmond High School fastpitch program. I’m excited for Elissa Beineke, Zoe Chapman, Spencer Hartnady, Abigail Maness, Rachel Pope, Morgan Rich and Hope Wooten to return next season. These girls brought strong talent to our team and will be even stronger next year.”